Challenges Faced by Cory Booker: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Cory Booker's life and career.

Cory Booker is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for New Jersey since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, he holds the distinction of being the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Prior to his Senate tenure, Booker served as the 38th mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. His political career began with a role on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002, establishing his roots in local government.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2002: Lost mayoral race to Sharpe James

In 2002, Cory Booker ran for mayor but lost to incumbent Sharpe James.

June 2006: Assassination Plot Foiled

In late June 2006, before Cory Booker took office, New Jersey investigators foiled a plot to assassinate him led by Bloods gang leaders inside four New Jersey state prisons.

December 2010: Furloughs for Newark Employees

From July through December 2010, Cory Booker's administration imposed one-day-a-month furloughs for all non-uniformed employees, as well as 2% pay cuts for managers and directors earning more than $100,000 a year.

2011: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid in 2011

In 2011, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, leading to a memorandum of understanding between the city and the state regarding appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

April 12, 2012: Booker Saves Woman from House Fire

On April 12, 2012, Cory Booker saved a woman from a house fire, suffering smoke inhalation and second-degree burns on his hands. The Newark Fire Chief suggested Booker's actions saved the woman's life.

November 20, 2012: Melee at Newark City Council Meeting

On November 20, 2012, a melee occurred at a Newark City Council meeting attended by Booker. The council was voting on a successor to Donald M. Payne, Jr.'s seat, with Booker supporting Shanique Speight. Booker cast the deciding vote for Speight, leading to a disturbance and the use of pepper spray by riot police. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

December 2012: Booker Attempts to Live on a $30 Food Budget

In December 2012, Cory Booker began a week-long challenge to live on a $30 food budget, equivalent to New Jersey's SNAP benefits. This was after discussions with a constituent about New Jersey's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Booker aimed to spark a discussion about those relying solely on food stamps.

2012: Unsuccessful Candidate for World Mayor Prize

Cory Booker was also an unsuccessful candidate for the 2012 World Mayor prize.

2012: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid in 2012

In 2012, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, leading to a memorandum of understanding between the city and the state regarding appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

April 2017: Criticized Military Action in Syria

In April 2017, Cory Booker criticized the U.S. strike on Syria for lacking a clear plan or congressional authorization.

2017: Testified against Jeff Sessions

In 2017, Cory Booker became the first senator to ever testify against another senator during attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions's confirmation hearing.

September 5, 2018: Booker Questions Kavanaugh on Confidential Emails

On September 5, 2018, during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, Booker questioned Kavanaugh on a series of emails marked "committee confidential." He released the documents the next day, showing discussions of racial profiling. Booker said he was violating Senate rules but defended his decision, leading to accusations of "theatrics."

December 2019: Failed to Meet Debate Thresholds

In December 2019, Cory Booker failed to meet the polling thresholds required to participate in the sixth Democratic Party presidential debate.

January 13, 2020: Suspended 2020 Presidential Campaign

On January 13, 2020, Cory Booker suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

January 6, 2021: Booker Evacuated During Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, Booker was participating in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Booker and his fellow senators were evacuated. He blamed Trump for inciting the attack and called for the invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment.

April 1, 2025: Delivered Longest Speech in U.S. Senate History

From March 31 to April 1, 2025, Cory Booker delivered the longest speech in U.S. Senate history, lasting 25 hours and five minutes, in protest of the second presidency of Donald Trump.